Google is testing over 252 experimental devices in its employees’ homes in Seattle, and it is suspected that the devices in question are linked to Google’s venture into broadcasting.

The company recently applied for an experimental license with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for an unnamed entertainment device, which CBS Seattle say is being tested out to determine the reliability of networks and to reveal any potential engineering issues that could occur.

Outside of the Google employees testing the prototype, nobody knows what exactly the device does but there are a number of theories floating around. The main one is that it could be a new version of Google TV, which relaunched back in November, that syncs desktop, tablets, smartphones and TV with the same content.

Another theory is that the device is linked to the Android@home framework, where Google promises users that they can control household appliances such as alarm clocks and lights through an Android device. However, the blog Android@Home (no link to Google’s actual product) says this is unlikely as while the filing mentions its WiFi and bluetooth radio interfaces, it doesn’t mention the 900MHz based radio system that Google chose for its Android@Home system.

According to the FCC filing, Google describe it as an “entertainment device”, and that the tests will help them “modify the design in order to maximize product robustness and user experience.” There is also the mention of connecting to other home electronics equipment which suggests that laptops and TV will feature when this device is launched.

Another point to note is that while the testing began on January 17th, the end date for testing isn’t until July 17th meaning that Google may not release this device until the end of the year at the earlie